Berlin
Connecticut
Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Newsletter - February 2023
Schools and Libraries
February 1, 2023
From: Berlin-Peck Memorial LibraryLibrary Director's Message
Hello,
F is for February and finances! For those of you starting to think about your taxes – we're here for you. AARP Tax Aide begins on February 14. We’re grateful for the partnership with AARP, now in its eleventh year here at Berlin-Peck, which provides free tax assistance for people aged 50 and over with low to moderate income. Did you know that AARP tax preparers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they understand updates and changes to the tax code? Appointments are required and can be made by calling the library 860-828-7126.
This time of year, we’re also thinking about the Connecticut State Budget. CT has a biennial budget meaning that a budget is adopted every two years. During the odd years (2023) a budget is adopted, and during the even years (2024) it is reviewed and then the process starts over again. While we are supported by the Town of Berlin, we also receive benefits from the State of Connecticut – money for items we loan out to other libraries and through our membership in the Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC) which is funded in part by the CT State Library. CLC's superpower is that it provides discounts for libraries on a variety of items by negotiating contracts with vendors on their behalf. By purchasing off these contracts in 2021-2022, the Berlin Peck Memorial Library saved approximately $52,000! This year, CLC celebrates 20 years of supporting CT libraries. These savings allow us to bring you Hoopla, Niche Academy, and more books because we get a discount on print materials!
Is there a product or service you’d like to see at your local library? Let us know! If you have a suggestion for how we can better serve you, please drop me an email at [email protected]. We might even be able to get a discount on it! I’ll see you soon at the library!
-- Kim McNally
Library Director
AARP Tax Aide
Tuesdays, February 14–April 18
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax prep for low and middle-income taxpayers. Appointments will be available on Tuesdays at the Library (860-828-7126) and Thursdays at the Senior Center (860-828-7006).
Here's how it works:
- Call to schedule your appointment.
- Pick up your paperwork packet.
- Fill out your packet ahead of time.
- Attend your appointment.
Appointments usually fill up fast, so please schedule as soon as possible.
First Line Literary Contest
During the Month of February
Ursula K. Le Guin once said: “First sentences are doors to worlds.” Here’s your chance to write your own! Berlin-Peck invites you to compose your best opening line to an imaginary novel. You can write on any topic or genre, as long as your sentence is original and makes us want to read more!
The winner will receive bragging rights, a reading-themed pin from our All-Year Reading Contest. EVERY participant will receive a custom bookmark with their best sentence. Multiple entries are allowed, but each participant will receive one bookmark.
Sit & Knit
Thursday, February 2, 16, 6:00 pm
Thursday, February 9, 23, 1:00 pm
Join us for a relaxing session of knitting and good company.
Friday Movie Matinees
Friday, February 3, 10, 17, 24, 1:00 pm
Please register for each movie you'd like to attend. See all upcoming movies.
Courageous Conversations: Tips and Tricks
Saturday, February 4, 10:30 am
Learn when to engage in conversation, how to keep things respectful, and why it matters.
An Introduction to Active Dreaming
Monday, February 6, 6:30 pm
Online Program
Learn more about the magic we tap into every time we close our eyes!
History of the Connecticut Landscape
Monday, February 13, 6:30 pm
From floating rocks to volcanoes, dinosaurs, and ice! Join us to learn about our local landscapes, their geomorphology, and their future.
Make & Take: Coffee Filter Wreaths
Thursday, February 16, 6:30 pm
Create an easy, beautiful wreath with the option to customize it with color.
Saturday Book Club
Saturday, February 18, 10:30 am
Join us for a discussion of The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Contact the library to reserve a copy of this title.
Presidents Day
Monday, February 19
LIBRARY CLOSED
The library will be closed on Monday in honor of Presidents Day.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Monday, February 20, 1:00 pm
February’s group will be ONLINE ONLY
A safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia. Join us to share practical information, feelings, needs and concerns. Sponsored and hosted by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association.
This group will meet in person, with the option for participants to join us on video chat using Zoom. RSVP to Patty O’Brian: 203-859-1992.
Beat the Winter Blues
Thursday, February 23, 6:30 pm
Learn about healthy coping mechanisms to combat the winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Beyond the Amistad: Black History at the Connecticut Historical Society
Saturday, February 25, 1:00 pm
Join Natalie Belanger from the Connecticut Historical Society to explore artifacts and photos representing the Black experience in Connecticut’s History.
Get to Know Your Library!
Monday, February 27, 10:30 am
Join us for a fun presentation and tour to learn about what the library has to offer senior citizens in the community. Refreshments will be served. For transportation to this event, please contact the Berlin Senior Center at 860-828-7006.
Cookbook Club
Monday, February 27, 6:30 pm
You do not need to be an experienced cook, just an enthusiastic one! To participate, register for the program and pick a recipe from this month’s cookbook, Baking with Dorie by Dorie Greenspan. Bring in your dish to enjoy and discuss!
Houseplants 101
Saturday, March 4, 1:00 pm
Join Stephanie Lutz from Fair Weather Growers to get expert tips to help your houseplants thrive throughout the year.
Garden Kit: Fig Cuttings
While supplies last!
Start your own fig tree from a cutting! Kit includes cutting and instructions to help your figs grow. There are three fig varieties available this year: Olympia, White Marseille, and Brown Turkey. Choices are first come, first served, when you pick up your kit.